A Backward Glance at Eighty eBook

life. He took up especially the providing for
them of a home where they could live happily and profitably
while pursuing a course of study in the California
School of Mechanical Arts. An incident of his
efforts in their behalf illustrates what an influence
he had gained in the community. A young man of
wealth, not a member of his congregation and not considered
a philanthropist, but conversant with what Mr. Worcester
was doing and hoped to do, called upon him one day
and said: “Mr. Worcester, here is a key
that I wish to leave with you. I have taken a
safe-deposit box; it has two keys. One I will
keep to open the box and put in bonds from time to
time, and the other I give you that you may open it
and use coupons or bonds in carrying out your plans
for helping the boys.” This illustrates
how he was loved and what good he provoked in others.
Without knowing it or seeking it he was a great community
influence. He was gifted of the Spirit. He
had beauty of character, simplicity, unselfishness,
love of God and his fellow-men. His special beliefs
interested few, his life gave life, his goodness was
radiant. He drew all men to him by his love,
and he showed them the way.

FREDERICK LUCIAN HOSMER

I cannot forego the pleasure of referring with sincere
affection to my brother octogenarian, Frederick L.
Hosmer. He achieved the fullness of honor two
months in advance of me, which is wholly fitting, since
we are much farther separated in every other regard.
He has been a leader for a great many years, and I
am proud to be in sight of him.

His kindly friendship has long been one of the delights
of my life, and I have long entertained the greatest
respect and admiration for his ability and quality.
As a writer of hymns he has won the first place in
the world’s esteem, and probably his noble verse
is (after the Psalms) the most universally used expression
of the religious feeling of mankind. More worshipers
unite in singing his hymns, Unitarian though he be,
than those of any other man, living or dead. It
is a great distinction, and in meriting it he holds
enviable rank as one of the world’s greatest
benefactors.

Yet he remains the most modest of men, with no apparent
consciousness that he is great. His humility
is an added charm and his geniality is beautiful.

He has made the most of a fancied resemblance to me,
and in many delightful ways has indulged in pleasantries
based on it. In my room hangs a framed photograph
signed “Faithfully yours, Chas. A. Murdock.”
It is far better-looking than I ever was—­but
that makes no difference.

We were once at a conference at Seattle. He said
with all seriousness, “Murdock, I want you to
understand that I intend to exercise great circumspection
in my conduct, and I rely upon you to do the same.”

I greatly enjoyed Dr. Hosmer’s party, with its
eighty candles, and I was made happy that he could
be at mine and nibble my cake. Not all good and
great men are so thoroughly lovable.